Clogged drains are common in homes and businesses. Clogs can lead to significant damage and expenses if they aren’t cleared promptly. Some clogs require a professional, but you can usually unclog a drain with a few steps. Here are five ways to effectively unclog a drain at home.
Unclog a Drain Using a Plunger
A plunger is a great tool to unclog a drain manually. But, it is crucial to ensure you’re using the right plunger. A toilet plunger won’t be as effective when unclogging a smaller drain like the one in your sink or shower. You will need a cup plunger designed for smaller drains.
Remove the stopper or grate, apply the plunger directly over the clogged drain, and make sure there’s water in the sink. Try to maintain a tight seal; apply petroleum jelly at the rim of your plunger to help with this. Then, pump up and down vigorously until you see water flowing down the drain.
Use a Coat Hanger
Use a simple hanger from your closet to unclog a drain. Straighten out the hanger using a pair of needle-nose pliers. Create a small hook by bending one end of the hanger. Push the end with the hook down the drain while maintaining a tight grip on the other end as you go.
When you reach the point of resistance, rotate the hanger a few times before slowly pulling it out and removing the debris. Repeat until the blockage is cleared.
Unclog a Drain: Baking Soda and Vinegar Solutions
Pour boiling water down the drain and wait for it to clear. Next, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar solution. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes (the longer, the better) and cover the drain with a plug.
After the time is up, pour another pot of boiling water down the drain to flush and rinse everything down. This process should loosen up the clog enough to solve your problem. It is also an all-natural method that doesn’t involve using harsh chemicals and won’t cause any damage to your pipes.
Drain Snake
A drain snake can effectively eliminate stubborn clogs when used correctly. Stick the end of the drain snake into the clogged drain. Push it down until you start to feel resistance. Rotate the drain snake until you feel its breakthrough.
Crank it in the opposite direction and slowly pull it out of the drain. Remove and discard any debris collected by the snake and repeat the process as many times as necessary. Lastly, run boiling water down the drain to clear anything left behind.
Chemical Methods
Chemical drain cleaners are a last resort if all else fails. They are incredibly effective when it comes to breaking down all types of clogs, but they could compromise your plumbing pipes when used too often because they are corrosive.
Try all the above ways to unclog a drain before hiring a plumber and paying for repairs.
HG Home Inspection provides inspection to home buyers and sellers in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule our services.